The SouthCoast Turned Out to Support Chris McCarthy

It was a moment that was a year in the making, as WBSM's Chris McCarthy stepped into The Vault in downtown New Bedford Thursday night to a large contingent of friends, family and supporters who turned out to help him in his continued battle against the after effects of his nearly-fatal bout with COVID-19.

It was a year ago this week that McCarthy was diagnosed with COVID-19, and at the time, he was too young to have been vaccinated and was left susceptible to some of the worst the virus could do to a person without killing them.

McCarthy had previously recounted his battle with the virus, the lingering effects of the multiple heart attacks and strokes he suffered in the hospital while trying to fight off the coronavirus, and the subsequent kidney disease that has now left him in search of a donor. Now, he is also suffering from problems with his eyesight, according to the latest update on his GoFundMe page.

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On Thursday night, however, it was a night of celebration of the man and his determination to come out the victor no matter what has been thrown at him over this past year. When he arrived at The Vault, he was cheered wildly by the 150 or so people that had purchased a ticket to the event to help McCarthy with his mounting medical bills.

McCarthy's body may currently be a little slowed by what he has endured, but his quick wit and self-deprecating humor were as sharp as ever.

Numerous dignitaries such as U.S. Congressman Bill Keating, State Representatives Chris Hendricks and Antonio Cabral, Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang, City Council President Ian Abreu and fellow councilors Hugh Dunn and Ryan Pereira were all on hand, not just because of their positions, but because they are all personal friends of McCarthy.

That's the thing about Chris McCarthy – he knows everyone, everyone he knows loves him, and he'd do anything to help someone in need. He said he was truly touched by everyone coming out and supporting him now that he is the one overcoming adversity.

The event was organized by McCarthy's friend and WBSM colleague Ken Pittman, who performed with his celebrated Bon Jovi tribute band Living on a Bad Name. His wife Andrea Pittman organized the many raffle items that were donated. Music was also provided by Pittman's son and LOABN drummer/singer Keith Pittman, who opened the night with a rocking series of covers of '70s, '80s and '90s tunes alongside singer-guitarist Kendra Girard. DJ Gazelle rocked the house spinning some rock hits between the acts.

Check out some of the photos from this special night, and if you want to continue to help Chris McCarthy, you can buy a grab-and-go meal at next month's fundraiser or donate directly to his GoFundMe.